Ronald (Ron) Edwin Hays

Ronald (Ron) Edwin Hays passed away peacefully on July 18, 2017 at the age of 71.

Ron was born to the late Vyla June Hays and Ronald “Sailor” V. Hays and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.

Ron attended East High School (Des Moines) and North West Missouri State University. He received his graduate degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Ron was an early practitioner in art therapy since 1969. In 1973, he moved to Virginia Beach where he served as the Director of Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Art Therapy Education Program, which he also developed with Dr. Paul Fink. Ron served as the Director of Adjunctive Therapies at the Norfolk Community Mental Health Center & Psychiatric Institute. Ron’s true passion was working with his students. He taught at Old Dominion University, Rutgers University, the University of the Arts, Marywood University, Goldsmith College in London, and Haifa University in Israel. In 2009, Ron retired as Clinical Associate Professor within the Graduate Creative Arts Therapies Department, at Drexel University having served as the Director of the Program. During his tenure at Drexel, Ron developed 10 new courses for the Creative Arts in Therapy Program. He received the following distinctions: 2010 Alumni of the Year, 1999 The Lindback Award; 1996 Service Award from Hahnemann; 1996 East High School (Des Moines) Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee; 1995 Teacher of the Year by the Hahnemann Graduate School Student Government; and Honorary Life Member of the Delaware Valley Art Therapy Association. Ron served a six-year term as Chair of the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors. He was instrumental in securing Pennsylvania State licensing for Creative Arts Therapists as Professional Counselors. He also served on the Education Committee and was a Board Member for the National American Art Therapy Association. He was a board member for a number of Philadelphia nonprofits, including the Clay Studio. Following retirement, Ron returned to his love of ceramics.

Ron loved his family, work and students. He wasn’t shy about laughing out loud, really loud, and it was frequent in the classroom, office and home. Ron found relaxation on summer weekends hidden away on Sterrets Island on the Susquehanna River. He enjoyed taking long walks with his beloved dog, Bear. A good cheese plate with wine or a glass of single malt followed by chocolate was his idea of the perfect meal. Ron enjoyed music and it was impossible to keep him off the dance floor.

Ron is survived by his wife Nancy Scheller Hays, children: Jakon and Mihaela Hays of Norfolk VA, Perrin and Adam Bradshaw of Lewis Center, OH and Elyssa Hays of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren: Luke, Zoe, Lilly, Edwynn and Theodore; brothers: Vinton Hays of Des Moines, IA and Clay Hays of La Quinta, CA. Ron was predeceased in death by his sister Vyla Frankfort of Des Moines, IA.

A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Noon at Temple Sholom, 55 Church Lane, Broomall, PA 19008. Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Drexel University Ronald E. Hays and Nancy Scheller Hays Art Therapy Scholarship Fund or the Clay Studio, Philadelphia, or the Delaware Valley Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.ciavarellifuneralhomes.com